Per Chance To Spar [Attn: Samuel Falchin]

[Roan]

During her time away from the Tower and the Yards, Riahana Gaidar continued her training to remain in shape and at the top of her game. It was easy to hone and practice her skills with the bow, but finding swordsmen willing to spar with a Warder proved difficult. Since returning to the Tower, the Gaidar reacquainted herself with the Yards, and started applying herself to sharpen her various skills. If her Great Grandfather -in-Law, Caden Ives, saw how lax she'd become with the sword, he'd ensure she would be black and blue at the end of a more than intense sparring match.

The Freak of the Yards had given Riahana her sword many years ago. The single edged blade had seen its share of action, but still looked as good as new. The hilt, wrapped in blue braided fabric, had been re-wrapped over the years, but the winged hilt and blade gleamed in the sunlight. As much as she loved the blade, though, she was here for a training spar with a Drin' who, she was told, was as competent with sword as she. They would use practice swords for their sparring session, not real blades. The Mistress of Training would not be pleased if either Drin or Warder ended up sliced and diced.

Ria arrived at the sparring arena early so she could stretch and warm up. While she knew she might not have the luxury of warming up before real combat, she was no Drin' anymore, and she started to feel the years in her muscles and joints. It wasn't something she'd let on to anyone, though. . .and it wasn't something pulling the Void around her couldn't help push to the depths of her mind. Leaning her sword and belt against a post, the Gaidar moved to the center of the ring and began stretching. Her sparring partner would likely arrive at any moment, and she didn't want to keep him waiting.

((OOC: Hope this works for you!))

[Cheiron]

Samuel Falchin Sam had been having trouble finding anyone to spar with that was evenly matched to his skill level. Some were too new to the sword, and then there were some who were far too advanced. Even with four years of training with the Lion Guard, as a recruit he wasn't trained much further beyond the basics, even if he did like to spend his down time trying to glean some of the more advanced stuff from watching his seniors spar in the yards. They would always tell him they would teach him once he became a full member of the Lion Guard and had sworn his oath to the Queen of Andor. That wasn't going to happen now, he hadn't returned to Caemlyn since murdering his father since he had learned that all of his effort toward becoming a protector of the realm would no longer allow him to protect the one person in his life that mattered.

The Aes Sedai had said he needed to find a new purpose in life and to not let tragedy cloud his judgement of his future.

"The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills," she had said many times during the journey from Whitebridge to Hama Valon.

But why did it weave my brother's death? He was furious that it had happened, but sometimes wondered if perhaps she was right, and that he would finally see the why once he had finally let go.

Arriving at the yards, Sam performed walking stretches as he approached his opponent. He had been told that a spar had been arranged with someone of what seemed like equal abilities with the sword, so he was eager to begin. He knew that his opponent was a Gaidar, but he didn't let her gender get in the way of his eagerness, she would be just as formidable as any Gaidin at the Tower.

Sam picked up a lathe as he got closer to where Riahana was stretching herself in preparation for their spar. Bowing to her, Sam introduced himself.

"Gaidar, my name is Samuel Falchin. I believe a spar has been arranged between us."

(OoC: Sorry for the very late reply, I hope you're still up for this I needed to find my muse again )

[Roan]

Riahana finished her stretch and faced the man who entered the sparring ring they'd be using today. She offered the young man a smile, "Greetings Samuel Falchin. I am Riahana Ferria Gaidar, and yes. . .a spar has been arranged between us."

It was late morning, though there was still a crispness to the air. . .a sign that autumn was just around the corner. Some trees hinted that their leaves might soon turn color, though the sun beat down, warning each and all in the Yards that the afternoon would be a warm one. Riahana tilted her head ever so slightly, "How would you like to proceed? Best out of three? Or perhaps you have something else in mind?"

((OOC: Not to worry. . .I know how fickle the muse can be. ))

[Cheiron]

Samuel Falchin For what it was worth, Sam was looking forward to trying to hit something that was trying to hit him too. He could only get so much enjoyment out of bashing a lathe against a dummy. With introductions out of the way, the fact that the Gaidar moved straight to asking him how many bouts he wanted to determine a winner was much better. Normally, the Gaidin and Gaidar spent some time asking him about how much he knew, and the theory and talk. Going from introduction to action settled much better with Sam, who promptly dropped the list of answer to the usual questions.

"A best two of three would be wonderful, Gaidar. If we have time after the third bout, perhaps we can try more," Sam suggested.

Sam shifted his feet, and moved back, putting a little bit of distance between himself and Riahana. Dropping into stance, he held his lathe in a right hand dominant grip. If Riahana tried to take out his right hand, thinking he would be at a disadvantage, he would be able to change to his stronger, more dominant left hand. He had been taught that little tit-bit as a recruit in the Lion Guard, when one of his mentors had pointed it out. Most opponents would try to take out the dominant hand.

"I am ready when you are, Riahana Gaidar."

[Roan]

Riahana nodded, "Then let us begin." As simple as that, the Gaidar pulled the Void around her, and settled into The Swallow Glides the Branch as she moved towards her opponent, holding the blade with the tip towards Sam. When she was within range, she slashed diagonally, followed with a thrust, taking advantage of the transition into The Swallow Takes Flight .

Not knowing her opponent well, Riahana began the diagonal slash from her upper right, down to her lower left. The first two moves from guard stance to attack, were meant to get an initial feel for her opponent.